Respiratory Filter Connector Alignment for Sterilizable Reuse

Solution Overview

Problem

Respiratory therapy circuits are typically single-use items due to contamination concerns, leading to increased waste, cost, and potential health risks in emergency situations where quick and safe component detachment is necessary.

Innovation Solution

A connector assembly with a sealing region and internal retaining features for rapid connection and alignment of respiratory system components, ensuring safety and reducing contamination risk by preventing direct connection between the inspiratory conduit and patient interface.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional connectors are used for respiratory system components, then the connectors can be manufactured with standard materials, but the connectors cannot be sterilized autoclavely which compromises reliability

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesterilization capabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the material parameter from conventional plastics to silicone rubber, which fundamentally alters the sterilization capability while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through established rubber processing techniques

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The connector employs a composite structure combining silicone rubber with reinforcing fibers and a metal reinforcement cage, creating a material composite that enables autoclaving while maintaining structural integrity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Strength

If rigid structures are used for connectors, then structural strength is improved, but the connectors cannot be sterilized autoclavely

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural strengthVSAvoidsterilization capability

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a flexible silicone rubber shell that can withstand autoclaving temperatures while maintaining structural integrity, replacing rigid materials with a flexible material that has superior sterilization resistance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The connector employs a composite structure combining silicone rubber with reinforcing fibers and a metal reinforcement cage, creating a material composite that enables autoclaving while maintaining structural integrity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Reliability

If conventional materials are used for respiratory connectors, then manufacturing is straightforward, but the connectors cannot be sterilized which affects patient safety

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepatient safetyVSAvoidconnector structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the material parameter from conventional plastics to silicone rubber, which fundamentally alters the sterilization capability while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through established rubber processing techniques

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The connector employs a composite structure combining silicone rubber with reinforcing fibers and a metal reinforcement cage, creating a material composite that enables autoclaving while maintaining structural integrity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Data Source

PatentEP4304691B1Connectors for respiratory system components and a filter

Publication Date: 2026.05.13 FISHER & PAYKEL HEALTHCARE LTD

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Figure 3~4(b)

AI summary

A connector 700 for use in a respiratory system. The connector 700 can connect a first respiratory system component such as a filter 501 to a second respiratory system component. The connector has a body defining a bore 703 for receipt of a complementary connector component. The bore has a terminal end that provides an entry into the bore for the complementary connector component. The connector 700 comprises at least one internal retaining feature 710, at least one internal alignment feature 720, and/or at least one external alignment feature 761.